Kroger announces retirement of VP and pension investment officer

CINCINNATI — Kroger on Tuesday announced the planned retirement of VP and pension investment officer, Rich Manka, effective July 15.

"Throughout his career, Rich has been a trusted member of Kroger's leadership team," stated Mike Schlotman, Kroger's CFO. "Pension plan trustees and participants alike have benefited from his vast knowledge and influence on investment strategies and plan designs. We thank Rich for his contributions to our company and industry and wish him the very best."

Manka began his career with Dillon Companies in 1982 as an investment manager for retirement plans. He was promoted to his current position in 2004. He has served on Kroger's Retirement Management Committee and is chair of the company's Pension Investment Committee. In addition to serving as an adviser and trustee on various Taft-Hartley Pension Funds, Manka was appointed by President George Bush to serve on the advisory committee of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

Kroger has not yet named Manka's successor.